BBC Sportcycling

Stage two of the Tour de France gets under way with the riders facing a 164.5km trek from Auray to Saint-Brieuc

Those who live near the starting point have the perfect vantage point as the atmosphere builds

Many of the locals proudly fly the flag of Brittany, which is hosting the first three days of this year's Tour

Alejandro Valverde of Spain starts the day with the overall leader's yellow jersey after winning stage one

Philippe Gilbert of Belgium has the green jersey after emerging from the opening stage as the best sprinter

Frenchmen Thomas Voeckler (r) and Sylvain Chavanel break away and are four minutes clear of the peloton at the halfway point

Spectators line the route and do their best to inspire Voeckler, but the leaders are caught with 3km to go

The stage is won by Thor Hushovd (left), who edges out Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen in a sprint to the line

And Hushovd's delight is clear as the Norwegian celebrates an excellent victory

Valverde remains the Tour leader so retains the yellow jersey, while Kirchen moves to second overall ahead of Spain's Oscar Freire in third

Mark Cavendish finishes in 27th spot - one place ahead of fellow Briton David Millar